This fortified manor house was built by Robert Burnell, Chancellor of England, in the 13th century during the reign of Edward I, who, it is supposed, convened one of the first English Parliaments here in 1263. The Burnell family gave up the house in the 14th century and for the next 300 years it passed through several hands in quick succession. In 1672 the estate fell to the Smythe family who built a more elegant and comfortable house to live in and the castle was kept as a folly.